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A refreshed Canterbury Bulldogs side is out to pick up where they left off when they return to action against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Cameron Ciraldo's men claimed a dominant 36-12 win over the Newcastle Knights before they enjoyed the bye in round eight.
The Bulldogs have been much improved to start the season and have troubled the top teams in the competition on the back of superb form from Viliame Kikau, Stephen Crichton and Matt Burton.
Round 7 Bulldogs team: 1. Connor Tracey 2. Jacob Kiraz 3. Bronson Xerri 4. Stephen Crichton 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Matt Burton 7. Drew Hutchison 22. Max King 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Chris Patolo 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jaeman Salmon 13. Josh Curran 8. Samuel Hughes 14. Bailey Hayward 16. Kurtis Morrin 17. Blake Taaffe 21. Jake Turpin
Team Tips: Reigning club player of the year
Jacob Preston is in line to return from a jaw injury for the surging Dogs, who moved into the top eight this weekend without playing a game. If Preston is good to go, expect him to start in the second row and take the place of
Jaeman Salmon, who’ll come off the bench. That would push either
Bailey Hayward or
Blake Taaffeoff the pine.
Sam Hughes and
Max King are the likely starting props with
Chris Patolo out with a knee injury.
Last week’s Tigers team: 1. Jahream Bula 2. Charlie Staines 3. Brent Naden 4. Justin Olam 5. Solomon Alaimalo 6. Lachlan Galvin 7. Aidan Sezer 8. Stefano Utoikamanu 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. David Klemmer 11. Isaiah Papali’i 12. Samuela Fainu 13. John Bateman 14. Latu Fainu 15. Alex Twal 16. Alex Seyfarth 17. Fonua Pole 18th man: 18. Justin Matamua
The Wests Tigers have also shown glimpses of promise this year, however they are licking their wounds after a 34-10 loss to the Broncos last weekend.
Medical staff will keep a close eye on Api Koroisau throughout the week after the captain suffered a back injury on Saturday, however coach Benji Marshall is confident he will be fit to play.
Centre Star To'a is likely to be available for selection after missing six games with an ankle injury while Jacob Preston is a chance of returning from a broken jaw for the Bulldogs.
Stat Attack
- The Bulldogs have won three of their past four games against Wests Tigers.
- Wests Tigers have lost their past nine games at Accor Stadium.
- Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr has scored 22 tries in his last 22 games at Accor Stadium.
- Wests Tigers have not defeated the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium since 2018.
- The Bulldogs have scored 66 points in their last two games at Accor Stadium.
